After a lot of consideration, you have made the decision. You want to hire a videographer for the biggest event of your life…your wedding. You have also realized the decision making process just grew a little more tedious as you try to sift through a number of professional wedding videographers in an effort to find the right one.

We aren’t looking to make any enemies on the playground, but we thought it wise to share a few inside questions that will help you distinguish between the great videographer and the not so great.

1. When Will I Get My Final Video?
Timing is everything. The hardest critique a wedding videographer receives is how long it takes them to get your video to you. “The most enjoyable part of wedding videography is getting to spend the entire day with a couple; being creative, having fun and getting those amazing moments on camera! The most tedious part of the job is editing; it is a hard and long process and there is no easy way around that,” says videographer Dave Bigler.

Bridal Tip: Make sure that your videographers’ turn-around time is realistic and it is outlined in your contract.

2. What If I Don’t Like My Video? 
The horror stories are out there! Ask around and you will hear from brides who were not happy with how their wedding video was edited and how the videographer was no longer reachable to help with any changes. Ideally, this will not happen to you, but never negate the possibility. Your videographer should always be available to you. It’s amazing how easy they are to reach when you want to pay them, but when you need a few changes, they are on an extended vacation to Bermuda!

Bridal Tip: Make sure your contract spells out what happens if you want to have changes made.

3. What Is Your Emergency Plan If You Can’t Be At My Wedding?
Crazy things can happen and an experienced videographer knows this! A seasoned professional will have a backup plan in place in case they have an emergency and can’t be at your wedding. Have them outline this plan to you. Ask them if you will receive a refund if the unfortunate should happen.

Bridal Tip: Make sure your videographer has a back up plan and that it is clearly outlined in your contract.

4. Do You Have A Comprehensive Contract?
Have you noticed the theme woven through these five questions? The thread that pulls this all together is your contract. Read through your contract carefully and make sure both you and your videographer sign it. You need the peace of mind that if anything crazy or unplanned should happen, they have already thought of it and you are completely taken care of.  Ask the hard questions. Do your research. Avoid having to tell your own personal horror story.

Closing Bridal Tip: Ask the right questions to make sure you have chosen the right videographer for you.

Ask the right questions before you buy!